The Dream

Art by Pedro Lara

Part 3: The Dream

Aboard the gigantic water carrier known as "the mouth" Ellya and her new friend Rollut were having a private chat, here he was going to explain the nature of his long journey, and also the reason why the gift must remain hidden.

The Mabdish clan were famous for their mechanical knowledge, also for their fishing and farming skills; they lived on the southern region of the plains of promise, a little more than 3 weeks away from this territory.

- How many started the journey with you (She asked, while Rollut finished the last piece of his fire crab steak) And what was their fate?
- I left my city 16 days ago with a total of 6 ships (And drinking some water he added) - We lost 4 warriors to the Mantis People, the rest to the pirates.

She nodded, now she knew the route they followed in order to get here so fast... they had crossed directly through the insect tribe territory. This was forbidden on normal circumstances, for no one wanted to provoke another war; and the only way it was acceptable for the Mantis people was if the travellers took less than 2 days to leave their lands. The fact they took such a dangerous path, survived the wrath of the poisoned weapons of the insects and also the pursuit by the pirate raiders, spoke highly of the pilot skills.

The number of ships was also an indicator that this was an important event, for the Mabdish usually travel with 4 up to 5 skiffs; to have 6 ships protecting a gift for another clan was not normal.

- We will have our people sing a song to help them on their passing through the dream. (Said Ellya, looking at the young pilot with respect in her eyes, putting a hand on his shoulder) And I will see personally that the sacrifice your clan has made is not forgotten.
- Thank you "Knife of the sands" (He acknowledge her words by touching his forehead, and continued) Our Dream master was given a powerful sign. (He walked over to his backpack on the table and extracted a small wooden box) 

She looked at the box, admiring the nature of the wood as that material was rare on Ishdad lands.

- According to his part of the dream you will require this item to fulfil an important task. (He placed the box on the table and opened slowly, as the room was suddenly filled with a soft light coming from within a crystal bottle.) Try not to wake him up yet; the chance for doing so will come on your part of the Dream.

Ellya had heard the legends about this creatures, and even seen their shapes and faces on pots, necklaces and even decorative carpets; but to witness what other have seen only on dreams... was something else.

- I've never seen such wander with my eyes! (She exclaimed, looking at the treasure inside the bottle) It is a green Genie!
- Indeed it is, and is now yours (Said Rollut, closing the box and moving it closer to her) My part of the dream has been fulfilled, now it is your task to complete the rest of what lies ahead.

Ellya spend the rest of the trip contemplating the different options this new event could have upon her future, for she was chosen by both the Sheik and the Dream master of her clan to be the new leader of the Ishdad; but now...

- Now I should be thinking of a song to honor the fallen (She said to herself, looking at the golden sand of the desert and thinking of the fallen pilots) I will make it a good song to be heard.

But even if she tried hard to distract her mind creating a song, her thoughts were fixed on the wooden box and its content. After listening to the events lived by Rollut and his men, Ellya was sure that someone else was behind the savage pirate attack on the Mabdish skiffs, that was the most logical explanation as to how they could have overcome so many the pilots; and it was more likely that the mastermind had knowledge of not only the route but also the nature of the precious cargo.

Someone wanted that green genie off her hands...

She had remained silent about the conspiracy ideas, trying her best not to question Rollut for she wanted to speak with her elders first; but for now the only thing that mattered was to complete the dream.

Ellya smiled at the sight of the flags in the distance, the red tents circling the Sheik mound bursted with people waving their hands; and she could heard the horn blast indicating the presence of a guest.

As they finally entered the citadel of Sheik Hamal the people greeted them like heroes, and while others rejoiced and congratulated her she gave the order for the collectors to transport the water to the vault. The young ones were all over the foreign scout skiff, looking at the design and the many colours of the Mabdish clan insignia. Rollut was also an interesting figure for all, specially due to his green clothes and purple armour. Ellya smiled at her people, took a little drink from a water-skin and moved among the crowd to see the elders.